--- title: "So You’re Bending For: HVAC" description: Let’s run through some of the more common bender applications found in HVAC. image: https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/box-forming-die-1.jpeg --- [![Formtek Group](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Mestek_Machinery_January_2022/images/MestekM.png?width=219&height=553&name=MestekM.png "Formtek Group")](https://mestekmachinery.com/) - [About Mestek Machinery](https://mestekmachinery.com/about-mestek-machinery/) - [Brands](https://mestekmachinery.com/brands/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/industries-served/) - [Service and Support](https://mestekmachinery.com/service-and-support/) - [Pre-Owned Machinery](https://mestekmachinery.com/service-and-support/pre-owned-machinery/) - [Dealer Network](https://mestekmachinery.com/dealer-network/) - [Products](https://mestekmachinery.com/machinery-and-equipment/) - [Machinery and Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/machinery-and-equipment/) - [Resources](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/) - [Videos](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/#videos) - [E-Books & White Papers](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/#ebooks) - [Catalogs & Brochures](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/#brochures) - [The Mestek Machinery Blog](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/#brochures) - [News](https://mestekmachinery.com/subscribe-for-updates/) - [The Latest News & Updates](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/news-and-updates) - [The Mestek Machinery Blog](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/) - [Subscribe for Updates](https://mestekmachinery.com/subscribe-for-updates/) - [Contact Us](https://mestekmachinery.com/contact-us/) - - [Engel Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/engel) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/video/) - [About Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/about-engel/) - [Contact Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/contact-us/) - - [Lockformer Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/lockformer) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Videos](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/videos/) - [About Lockformer](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/about-lockformer/) - [Contact Lockformer](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/contact-us/) - - [Iowa Precision Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/iowa-precision/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/video/) - [About Iowa Precision](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/about-iowa-precision/) - [Contact Iowa Precision](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/contact-us/) - - [Engel Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/engel) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/video/) - [About Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/about-engel/) - [Contact Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/contact-us/) - - [Roto-Die Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/roto-die) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/videos/) - [About Roto-Die](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/about-roto-die/) - [Contact Roto-Die](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/contact-us/) [![get a quote](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/getaquote.png)](https://mestekmachinery.com/about-mestek-machinery/#) #### [Get a Quote](https://mestekmachinery.com/about-mestek-machinery/#) ![Contact us icon](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Contact-us-icon-black.png) #### Contact Us # So You’re Bending For: HVAC Jun 6, 2015 | by Jack Pennuto *Due to widespread use of sheet metal in different capacities, we see machinery like hydraulic brake presses put to use in a variety of applications. In this blog, we look at some of the different applications benders are used for in the HVAC industry.* When it comes to sheet metal bending, the HVAC industry has a broader installed base compared to other industries in terms of brake press usage, and it’s rare you’ll see a fabricator or duct shop without one. Generally speaking, brake presses are known for their versatility and flexibility of application, especially when outfitted with the appropriate tooling for a given job. Let’s run through some of the more common bender applications found in HVAC: **Rectangular Ducts and Box Vents** [![channel forming die](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/channel-forming-die-1.jpg?width=100&height=133&name=channel-forming-die-1.jpg "Channel Forming")](http://roto-die.com/product-catalog/products/benders/dies/) Channel Forming [![box forming die](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/box-forming-die-1.jpg?width=100&height=133&name=box-forming-die-1.jpg "Box Forming")](http://roto-die.com/product-catalog/products/benders/dies/) Box Forming One of the more simple formations on this list, rectangular duct is bent using **channel forming** or **box forming** tooling, which are ideal for forming 90o angles with minimal difficulty. Additionally, **cross-breaking** should be used on straight ventilation to stiffen the walls and prevent the structural compromise that can often accompany temperature and air pressure changes. [![Louver Blade 1](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/louver_blade_2-die.jpg?width=100&height=133&name=louver_blade_2-die.jpg "Louver Blade 1")](http://roto-die.com/product-catalog/products/benders/dies/) Louver Blade 2 [![louver blade die](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/louver_blade_1-die.jpg?width=100&height=133&name=louver_blade_1-die.jpg "Louver Blade 1")](http://roto-die.com/product-catalog/products/benders/dies/) Louver Blade 1 **Louvers and Sun Shades** Louvers, or ventilation slats, are required for most vent coverings and can require some more precise bends due to what is frequently a smaller surface area. To fabricate a louver, specialized **“louver blade” upper dies** are paired with the appropriate v-die. Although it depends on the overall vent design, louvers typically use heavier gauge sheet. **Damper Blades** Ducts requiring air flow compartmentalization and control (read: nearly every ventilation system) will rely on dampers to accomplish this. Designs vary, but most dampers are built with grooves in order to utilize a greater surface area and increase strength of the part. Most dampers also use slightly heavier gauge. **Channel forming** tooling is most often used in producing damper blades. **Fittings** [![hemming die](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/hemming-die-1.jpg?width=100&height=133&name=hemming-die-1.jpg "Hemming")](http://roto-die.com/product-catalog/products/benders/dies/) Hemming Tooling As the name implies, fittings are used to get different part of straight ventilation to come together, like a joint. Elbows and tees are standard fitting examples. Because fittings often require overlap with the connecting duct, **hemming** is necessary when fabricating to facilitate the best fit during assembly. Do you use a specific bending technique on your various HVAC components? Comment below and tell us about your project! 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